The initiative offers a practical immersion in the fundamentals of traditional Japanese carpentry, highlighting wood joinery as a central technique in Japanese carpentry and architecture — an approach deeply connected to the work and thinking of Kengo Kuma. Over the course of an intensive day, divided between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., participants will have direct contact with the essential tools, materials, and methods of this craft.

The workshop culminates in the construction of a serving tray, developed entirely through joints, without the use of nails, screws or glue. During the process, topics such as wood preparation, correct tool sharpening, different types of joints and their applications will be covered, as well as the stages of marking, execution, dry assembly, adjustment, sanding and final finishing.

Costing €40 and limited to 10 participants, this activity is aimed at both beginners and those curious to explore the relationship between craftsmanship, Japanese culture and contemporary architecture.

Registration HERE.

07 MAR 2026
Programme
• Introduction to carpentry: tools and materials.
• Sharpening: routine and methodology.
• Joints: different types, different uses.
• Construction of the object: marking and execution of joints, dry assembly and adjustment, sanding and finishing.


Diogo Amaro
Architect, designer and carpenter based in Porto, with an experimental practice that combines design and the construction of bespoke furniture.
After several years working in architecture, he spent two years learning from the master carpenters at FRESS in Lisbon, specialising in joinery, carving and inlay techniques.
In 2022, he participated in the HomoFaber biennial in Venice and underwent intensive training with Japanese master carpenter Takami Kawai and Japanese designer Wataru Kumano at Domaine de Boisbuchet in France.
The following year, he was invited to join the HomoFaber Guide, curated by the Michelangelo Foundation. In 2024, he presented his first collection, CHICAGO, during Lisbon Design Week.
In 2025, he presented the MATERIA collection, first in Porto, at the Fernando Santos Gallery, and later in Lisbon, both at Lisbon by Design and Lisbon Design Week.